State Honoree

Emma Williams, 17, of Merrimack, N.H., a senior at Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua, began organizing an annual basketball tournament at a nearby high school in 2011 to raise money to provide Christmas gifts for families in need in her community. As a member of her schools service group in eighth grade, Emma was challenged by the clubs advisor to think of ways to raise money for charity. At the time, she was an avid basketball player, so it didnt take too long for Emma to propose a fundraising Heart to Hoops basketball tournament.

After obtaining permission to use the school gym for a weekend in November, Emma reached out to coaches and recruited eight teams, and then, with the help of her father, lined up referees. The teams all paid an entrance fee to play in the tournament, and additional money was raised by selling tickets to spectators, and conducting a raffle and shooting competitions. Emma also encouraged spectators to bring canned food to the tournament, which was donated to charity. Emmas annual tournaments have raised more than $10,000, enough to brighten the holidays of 80 families in her area. My favorite part is the kids, she said. Its amazing to see young basketball players become excited about doing something they love, while making a difference in the world.